HARQ Acknowledgment Scheduling for Disabled Feedback Timing

The patent implements dynamic HARQ process management where the network device can flexibly configure and adjust HARQ parameters (such as the number of HARQ processes, timing offsets, and resource allocation) based on real-time network conditions, device capabilities, and service requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for both reliability and latency under different operating conditions, particularly in NTN scenarios where propagation delays vary significantly.

The patent changes key HARQ parameters including the number of HARQ processes, timing offsets (K1, K2 values), and resource allocation configurations to suit NTN specific requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for increased propagation delays and improves transmission reliability without excessively increasing latency. For example, increasing the number of HARQ processes allows for better parallelism and reduced waiting time for acknowledgments.

The patent designs a universal HARQ management mechanism that can operate in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial network scenarios. The network device configures HARQ parameters through standardized signaling procedures that work across different deployment types. This multi-functionality allows the same system to adapt to NTN requirements without requiring entirely separate complexity-heavy NTN-specific infrastructure, as the existing RRC and MAC layer configurations can be extended to handle NTN scenarios.

The patent enables devices to self-configure HARQ parameters based on pre-defined configurations and network instructions. The network device provides configuration information through RRC signaling, and devices automatically adjust their HARQ processes according to these configurations without requiring complex manual intervention or highly sophisticated real-time decision-making algorithms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining optimization.

The patent implements preliminary configuration of HARQ parameters through RRC signaling before actual data transmission begins. The network device pre-configures the device with HARQ process information, timing offsets, and resource allocation patterns. This preliminary action reduces the need for frequent dynamic signaling during data transmission, as many parameters are established in advance and can be reused, thereby improving network performance while limiting control signaling overhead.

The patent employs periodic HARQ processes with configured timing patterns (periodic action) rather than purely dynamic scheduling for every transmission. By establishing periodic patterns for HARQ acknowledgments and retransmissions, the system reduces control signaling overhead compared to fully dynamic scheduling, while still maintaining the ability to adapt to network conditions through periodic parameter updates and configuration adjustments.